2012 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 685 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 16 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, power adjustJul 23, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Campaign 14V447000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsOct 19, 2011
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.
UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH. THE RESULTING CRASH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN ALSO RESULT IN PREMATURE OR IRREGULAR WEAR, POOR HANDLING, AND POOR FUEL ECONOMY.
GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Campaign 11V511000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
84 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Apr 29, 2015, fire
WHILE DRIVING DOWN I-96 IN MICHIGAN AT MILE 62, I FELT AN EXPLOSION UNDER MY FEET. THERE WAS A LARGE CLOUD OF BLACK SMOKE FOLLOWED BY FLAMES UNDERNEATH AND OUT THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RAN TO SAFETY WHILE WATCHING THE VEHICLE BURN UNDERNEATH. THE AIR DRAFT FROM PASSING TRAFFIC EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS AT OUR LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER HAVE TOLD US THERE IS A GOLF-BALL SIZE HOLE AND A SOFTBALL SIZE HOLE IN THE ENGINE IN ADDITION TO NUMEROUS ISSUES RESULTING FROM THE FIRE (MELTED FUEL AND BRAKE LINES, CHARRED AND BUBBLED PAINT AND MELTED PLASTIC PARTS, ETC.) ALTHOUGH THIS IS COVERED BY GM WARRANTY AND THEIR INVESTIGATION "TOTALED" THE CAR , CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS NOT OFFERED ASSISTANCE THAT WILL COVER REPLACEMENT OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Oct 3, 2014
WHEN THE CAR IS STOP AND YOU START TO DRIVE IT WILL JERK FORWARD AS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000..UPDATED 09/ 30/14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED TO BREAK FREE AND CONTINUED MOVING ABOUT TWO INCHES. AT THE SAME TIME, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN HE FINALLY STOPPED, HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. UPDATED 10/08/14
Power train, Apr 7, 2014
WHILE DRIVING I SLOWED DOWN TO STOP FOR LIGHT , LIGHT CHANGED SO I ACCELERATED WHEN I STEP ON GAS VEHICLE HESITATED AND LURCHED FORWARD WITH AN IMPACT SIMILAR TO BEING REAR ENDED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHEN ACCELERATING VEHICLE ALMOST STALLED BEFORE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE VEHICLE WAS AT A DEAD STOP AND WHEN I STEPPED ON GAS PEDDLE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE IMMEDIATELY . THIS HAS BEEN AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM GOING ON FOR OVER 2 YEARS AND 30000 MILES. EVERY TIME I TOOK IT IN FOR MAINTENANCE I WOULD COMPLAIN ABOUT PROBLEM TO NO HELP FROM DEALER THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE. I CONTACTED GM ABOUT PROBLEM THEY SENT ME TO SELLING DEALER WHO KEPT IT FOR ONE AND A HALF DAYS AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE .THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HIS WIFE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY ARE TRADING THERE VEHICLE IN ON THE SAME VEHICLE WITH A 6 CYLINDER. THE SERVICE WRITER WHO WROTE UP MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM IN A DIFFERENT MODEL BUT HE JUST LIVES WITH IT. WE FEEL THIS VEHICLE HAS BECOME VERY UNSAFE AND WE DO NOT KNOW HOW TO GET THIS RESOLVED. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AGAIN AND THEY HAD NOT RESPONDED. WE HAVE FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM ON SEVERAL WEBSITES INCLUDING CHEVY FORUM . *TR
Power train, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Sep 17, 2013
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *SMD A MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SLUGGISH, AS THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY. THE NEXT OCCURRENCE HAPPENED ON JANUARY 2, 2013. THE CONSUMER STATED BEFORE SHE COULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON ITS OWN, AS IF SHE HIT A STONE WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL, WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE DEALER CALLED THE CONSUMER TO LET HER KNOW, THEY ORDERED SOME BOLTS, SO THEY COULD BE BOLTED TO THE FRAME. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE OF A GRINDING/GRATING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A HIGH RATE OF RATE SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 03/27/14
Power train, Apr 29, 2013
UPON ACCELERATION, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION UPSHIFTS INTO 2ND GEAR IT WILL GO INTO NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE WILL REV UP BUT THE VEHICLE JUST COASTS. IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT COMPLETELY OFF THE GAS IT WILL EVENTUALLY SLAM INTO GEAR AND WILL RESUME DRIVING BUT HAS ERRATIC AND HARD GEAR CHANGES AND MAY ALSO GO BACK INTO NEUTRAL AGAIN. THIS WILL LAST FOR THE ENTIRE DRIVE CYCLE UNLESS YOU PULL OVER AND TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE WHICH RESETS THE SYSTEM. IT DOES NOT TURN ON THE CEL LIGHT OR STORE ANY FAILURE CODES OR INFORMATION. IT IS A INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH NO SET PATTERN. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC OR ATTEMPTING TO MERGE OR PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. I TRADED IN A 2011 EQUINOX WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM FOR THIS 2012 EQUINOX WHEN THE DEALER COULD NOT CORRECT IT. I HAVE CHECKED VARIOUS EQUINOX FORUMS AND I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT IS HAVING THIS ISSUE. JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GETS RUN OVER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 24, 2012
AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, I THEN APPLIED THE GAS TO GO AROUND A CORNER. UPON APPLYING THE GAS, THE ENGINE REVVED UP MUCH FASTER THAN IT WOULD NORMALLY. I QUICKLY APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND STOPPED FORWARD MOVEMENT. HOWEVER,THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO "REV". I PUT THE GEAR IN "NEUTRAL" AND THEN "PARK", THE MOTOR CONTINUING TO "REV". I DROVE ABOUT 50 FT TO THE TOP OF THE HILL, PUT THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL, THEN PARK, AND THEN SHUT THE MOTOR OFF. I LET THE CAR SIT ABOUT 30 SECONDS AND STARTED THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE "REVVED" AS BEFORE SO I DID THE NEUTRAL, PARK, ENGINE OFF SEQUENCE AGAIN AND WAITED ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO START THE ENGINE. SAME PROBLEM. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE THIS TIME, HOWEVER, I WAITED ABOUT 4 OR 5 MINUTES TO START THE ENGINE. THIS TIME THE ENGINE SPEED WAS NORMAL SO I DROVE HOME. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND THE DEALER HAD THE CAR TOWED TO ITS DEALERSHIP WHERE IT IS AT THIS TIME. THE DEALER IS VAN CHEVROLET-CADILLAC IN KANSAS CITY, MO. *TR
Power train, Jul 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THREE SEPARATE SUDDEN ACCELERATION FAILURES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AND THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WERE UPDATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THE REPAIRS WOULD REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT FOR THE PAST 100 MILES, THE FAILURE HAD NOT OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,800.......UPDATED 08-03-12 *BF
Power train, Jan 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED ABNORMALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,048.